New England begins training camp

Friday

Those were the words of the day as the New England Patriots took to the practice fields for the first of two sessions outside of Gillette Stadium on the first day of training camp.

Fans packed the team’s facility in Foxboro Thursday morning and greeted the players to a raucous ovation.

"It’s good to be back out here," middle linebacker Jerod Mayo said. "Just the excitement to be back in the building and to be around the players and coaches. We’re focused in on this season and we’re getting ready for it right now."

Some of the players had no idea what to expect after the lockout finally ended after 4 1/2 long months of negotiations.

It quickly changed once the players hit the field.

"It’s good to be back and to see all the fans that came out," cornerback Devin McCourty said. "They love to support us and watch practice. It was great."

Unlike previous seasons, Patriots players never filed together as a team to interact with the fans after practice. But just like they did before winning their first Super Bowl trophy against the Rams, the players assembled together as a team to greet the fans and sign autographs.

"We wanted to show the fans how much we appreciated them for coming out here," McCourty said. "I think it was a big day to show the fans we appreciate them. We have great fans here and you can tell they were excited."

The players went through simple walkthroughs and motions on Thursday before they’ll pick up the pads on Saturday.

The NFL’s new labor agreement allows just one practice with pads each day. New England and many other teams used to have two per day.

Mayo said he’s isn’t worried about that. He’s more focused on helping players become familiar with the system after no football since early January.

"It’s going to be a crash course for everyone," Mayo said. "We’ve been without football for so long and we’re going on this journey together. It’s the first lockout for a lot of guys.

"I’m sure coach Belichick will find a way to get us in shape and get us ready to go for four quarters."

While veteran players — like Mayo — are already accustomed to the NFL level of competition, the lockout will likely have a deeper impact on the first-year players.

"The rookies, they missed a lot but the biggest thing is that we’re on the same page when the season starts," wide receiver Deion Branch said.

Veteran defensive lineman Ty Warren, who returned to the field after missing all of last season with a hip injury, agreed that the lockout might hurt the progress of rookies.

"I think the lockout put the younger guys in a difficult situation," Warren said. "I think even the second-year guys. The offseason is definitely where guys established themselves in the weight room, strength-wise and (in the) film room. (The lockout) put those guys in a unique situation."

McCourty, a second-year player, said he’s ready for the challenge that lies ahead.

"I’m excited just to move forward and be playing in my second year," McCourty said. "I want to see how much better I can get and keep progressing with my teammates. We want to get better as a defense."

Earlier in the day, New England acquired former Washington Redskins defensive tackle and Pro-Bowler Albert Haynesworth for a 2013 fifth-round draft choice.

"I remember seeing him a couple of years ago on film," Warren said. "He’s going to be a big acquisition. I don’t think having him is going to be a problem in this locker room."

Haynesworth signed a seven-year, $100 million deal with Washington before the 2009 season but often feuded with Redskins coach Mike Shanahan last year.

Vince Wilfolk said the team and himself will do as always in welcoming Haynesworth.

"It’s just the type of people we have," Wilfolk said. "If you’re here, we’ll welcome you with open arms because we always want to be on the same page. No matter how you slice it, when you step on this field, you have to be on the same page.

"So whoever steps in that locker room, we’re going to make sure we cover everything we can in that team room and in meeting rooms and one-on-one time to put it on this field in practice and a game."

The Patriots also reportedly traded for Bengals wide receiver Chad Ochocinco, who has long expressed interest in playing for Belichick and the Patriots. ESPN reported that the Patriots sent two draft picks — one this year and one next season — to the Bengals in exchange for the Pro Bowler, who agreed to a restructured three-year contract with New England.

All scheduled preseason games will be played except for the Hall of Fame Game on Aug. 7 between the Chicago Bears and St. Louis Rams in Canton, Ohio.

The Patriots follow their game on Aug. 11 against the Jaguars with two road games at Tampa Bay on Aug. 18 and Detroit on Aug. 27.

They wrap up their preseason schedule at home against the New York Giants on Sept. 1 and open the regular season at the Miami Dolphins in a Monday night game on Sept. 12.

The fans in attendance Thursday were happy to see football back in Foxboro.

"They were very excited and we were glad to see them as well," Mayo said.

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.